Identification of a Hypomorphic Variant in Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Bernese mountain dogs (BMDs), have an overall cancer incidence of 50%, half of which is comprised of an otherwise rare tumor, histiocytic sarcoma (HS). While recent studies have identified driver mutations in the MAPK pathway, identification of key predisposing genes has been elusive. Studies have identified several loci to be associated with predisposition to HS in BMDs, including near the region, but no causative coding variant has been identified.

Activating Mutations in and in Canine Histiocytic Sarcomas.

While the genetic contributions to the predisposition of Bernese mountain dogs (BMDs) to histiocytic sarcoma (HS) remains unclear, some insights into key genetic drivers have been gained. Our group recently reported a mutation in the gene (E76K). We have now identified a second missense mutation in PTPN11 (G503V), and a mutation in KRAS (Q61H) present in HS cell lines.

Use of a jugular vein graft in a modified Blalock-Taussig procedure in dogs.

Objective: To determine whether autologous jugular veins provide functional grafts with high 30-day patency rates in an experimental model of systemic-to-pulmonary shunting performed with a modified Blalock-Taussig procedure.

Animals: 15 healthy Beagles.

Procedure: A segment of the left jugular vein was implanted between the left subclavian and pulmonary arteries.

Evaluation of the effects of nephrotomy on renal function in clinically normal cats.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of nephrotomy on renal function in clinically normal cats.

Animals: 20 specific-pathogen-free, 9- to 11-month-old female mixed-breed cats.

Procedure: Serum chemistry analyses, CBC determinations, urinalyses, microbiologic urine cultures, renal ultrasonography, abdominal radiography, and single-kidney and total glomerular filtration rate (GFR) determinations by use of renal scintigraphy and measurements of plasma disappearance of technetium 99m-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid were performed before surgery and at 3, 12, 26, 52, and 78 weeks after surgery in 10 cats that underwent unilateral nephrotomy and in 10 control cats that underwent a sham surgical procedure.